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Middle Bit: Tesla buys Minnesota-based Perbix

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.

Electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc. has bought Perbix—a Minnesota based company—that over the past few years has built some of the advanced equipment used in Tesla factories, according to a story Tuesday in the StarTribune.

According to the story, Perbix will remain at its site in Brooklyn Park and become a Minnesota engineering outpost for Tesla.

Tesla said Monday it will add to the Perbix staff of 150 people and that nobody will be relocated.

Prebix started making machining equipment 41 years ago and has been working with Tesla for nearly three years, according to the StarTribune.

Prebix has also worked on automated tools for Tesla that includes a system that makes the drive-unit rotors in its cars.

Opendorse raises $3.5 million

A Lincoln-based athlete marketing platform—Opendorse—raised $3.5 million in Series A funding, according to a story Monday in the Lincoln Journal Star.

Opendorse helps connect athletes with companies and brands seeking endorsements. Serra Ventures led the round and was joined by investors including Flyover Capital.

Former Nebraska and current Chicago Bears defensive back Prince Amukamara led a group of former Husker players to provide more than one-third of the round of investment, according to the story.

Opendorse works with more than 2,400 athletes and its brand partners include the NFL Players Association, PGA Tour, New Jersey Devils and more than 15 major college athletic departments.